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Method and apparatus for improving performance in container sorting

a container and performance improvement technology, applied in the field of methods and equipment for improving the performance of container sorting, can solve the problems of complicated item identification, large distance between the sensing region and the sorting region of the system, and the lack of shortcomings of the available sorting system, so as to improve the sorting efficiency

Active Publication Date: 2014-04-08
NAT RECOVERY TECH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a container sorting system that improves sorting efficiency. It eliminates interference signals from a conveyor belt and allows the distance between the sensing region and ejection region of the system to be only a minimal distance. It also reduces the need for cleaning of the conveyor belt surface, does not pose a fire hazard to the facility in which the sorting system is located, and does not require regular cleaning of the conveyor belt surface.

Problems solved by technology

Currently available sorting system are plagued with many shortcomings.
Sensing systems in this configuration receive signals from the conveyor belt as well as from the items to be sorted which can complicate the identification of items.
The traditional configuration of sorting systems also has resulted in a significant distance being present between the sensing region and the sorting region of a system.
Unfortunately, such lateral movement and variations in acceleration result in a complicated and hard to predict path of travel for such an item as it passes from a sensing region over a significant distance to a sorting region.
If the item does not reach the sorting region at the time and location at which it is expected, then the sorting system has failed.
The result is that sorting is not being performed in an efficient manner.

Method used

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  • Method and apparatus for improving performance in container sorting

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Embodiment Construction

[0019]The present invention is an infrared radiation sorting system that overcomes the flaws of currently available reflective infrared sorting systems. The infrared radiation sorting system, referred to as the system 10, includes an infrared radiation source 12, conveyor 14, infrared radiation sensing system 16, first processing system 18, second processing system 20, an ejection system 22, and a receiving station 24. Also disclosed herein is a method of using the system 10 to more efficiently sort materials according to composition.

[0020]Currently available material sorting systems that operate in the near infrared range (1.0-2.5 microns) and sense infrared radiation reflected off a material item (such as a plastic bottle) operate in a configuration where the sensing system is positioned over a conveyor 14 belt, as best seen in FIG. 1. In this configuration samples 28 on the conveyor 14 pass under the sensing system 16 where they are irradiated with infrared radiation 36 from an i...

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a container sorting system capable of increased sorting efficiency. The present invention discloses a device in which the distance is shortened between detection and ejection of containers being sorted by reflective infrared radiation, transmission infrared radiation, or both. The present invention also includes a method of operating such device.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 399,865, filed Jul. 19, 2010, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Improving Performance in Container Sorting” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.[0002]Be it known that we, Edward J. Sommer, Jr., a United States citizen, residing at 5329 General Forrest Court, Nashville, Tenn. 37215, R. Lynn Conley, a United States citizen, residing at 8045 Maggie Court, Antioch, Tenn. 37013, and Robert H. Parrish, a United States citizen, residing at 8029 Settlers Way, Nashville, Tenn. 37221, have invented a new and useful “Method and Apparatus for Improving Performance in Container Sorting.”STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0003]Not applicableREFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0004]Not applicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]As the general public continues to increase its willingness to recycle, there are a variety of reasons that would lead to the desi...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B07C5/342
CPCB07C5/368B07C5/126B07C5/342
Inventor SOMMER, JR., EDWARD J.CONLEY, R. LYNNPARRISH, ROBERT H.
Owner NAT RECOVERY TECH
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